Fine Gael TDs in Wicklow refuse to back ICTU Fair Work Campaign - Cllr John Brady

Sinn Féin General Election candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow Cllr John Brady has strongly criticised the refusal of local Fine Gael TDs Simon Harris and Andrew Doyle to support the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Charter for Fair Work.

Councillor Brady said;

"The Congress Charter for Fair Conditions at Work sets out five key principles to help make decent work a reality: a Living Wage, Fair Hours of Work, the Right to Union Representation, the Right to Respect in the workplace and Fair Public Procurement.

"It comes as no surprise that both Fine Gael Deputies Simon Harris and Andrew Doyle have decided to give two fingers to ordinary workers looking for fairness and dignity at work. Fine Gael stands out as the political party refusing to support this campaign. It goes against their right-wing views and anti-worker agenda.

"This snub to workers' rights will doubtlessly anger the thousands of trade union members living in Wicklow and East Carlow. These workers need to consider very carefully the move on the part of Fine Gael to ignore the demand for fairness in the workplace.

"Sinn Féin is proud to support the charter and the principles for fairness. We support the work of Congress and, in the recent past, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with home helps and the Dunnes Stores Workers. I can't say that I remember any Fine Gael TDs lending their support to these campaigns or standing on the picket lines in solidarity with workers.

"The refusal of Simon Harris and Andrew Doyle to sign up to the ICTU Campaign for Fair Work demonstrates that ordinary workers in Wicklow cannot afford another five years of a Fine Gael led Government.